Headquarters

Pine County

Near Nickerson

DOW: 58003200

Yellow PerchGood · 72Northern PikeGood · 64BluegillGood · 64

A 16-acre lake near Nickerson in Pine County — best known for panfish and pike. Last surveyed 1986.

Fish Species (6)

Yellow Perch

Good · 72

Typical numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1986

Last surveyed 1986 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.62 lbs

Catch rate: 8.0 per gill net · typical 2.5–23.3 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 10, 1986	6.25	-	0.58 lbs	Standard trap nets
Jun 10, 1986	8.00	-	0.62 lbs	Standard gill nets

Northern Pike

Good · 64

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Gill-net survey · surveyed Jun 1986

Last surveyed 1986 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

5.00 lbs

Catch rate: 1.0 per gill net · typical 2.8–10 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 10, 1986	1.00	-	5.00 lbs	Standard gill nets
Jun 10, 1986	0.25	-	6.00 lbs	Standard trap nets

Bluegill

Good · 64

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1986

Last surveyed 1986 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.47 lbs

Catch rate: 2.5 per trap net · typical 3.1–24.9 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 10, 1986	2.50	-	0.47 lbs	Standard trap nets

Black Crappie

Good · 54

Below-normal numbers · large fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1986

Last surveyed 1986 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.88 lbs

Catch rate: 0.5 per trap net · typical 1.9–13 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 10, 1986	0.50	-	0.88 lbs	Standard trap nets

Pumpkinseed

Average · 37

Below-normal numbers · average-size fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1986

Last surveyed 1986 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.15 lbs

Catch rate: 0.5 per trap net · typical 0.8–7.2 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 10, 1986	0.50	-	0.15 lbs	Standard trap nets

Other species in this lake (1)

Rough fish, bullheads, and baitfish recorded in DNR surveys — present in the lake, but not typical angling targets.

Black Bullhead

Average · 49

Typical numbers · average-size fish

Trap-net survey · surveyed Jun 1986

Last surveyed 1986 — treat with caution

Avg Weight

0.27 lbs

Catch rate: 3.5 per trap net · typical 1.8–26.3 for a lake like this

Survey History

Date	Catch Rate	Avg Length	Avg Weight	Gear
Jun 10, 1986	3.50	-	0.27 lbs	Standard trap nets

See the best yellow perch lakes in Minnesota

Fishing Regulations

Statewide limits

Standard statewide Minnesota limits for the species in this lake.

Northern Pike

Season: May 9, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

North-central zone

Angling: 10 (not more than 2 over 26". All from 22-26" must be immediatley released).

Crappie

10 combined total

Sunfish

20 combined total

Perch

20 daily and 40 in possession

More statewide rules (spearing, rough fish)

Northern Pike

Season: Nov 15, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027

North-central zone

Darkhouse spearing: 10 (only 1 between 22-26" and 1 over 26"; or, only 2 over 26").

Bullhead

100

Biologist Notes

June 10, 1986Based on respective local medians the present fish population of Headquarters Lake is as follows: The northern pike was very low at 1.00 per set and o…

Based on respective local medians the present fish population of Headquarters Lake is as follows: The northern pike was very low at 1.00 per set and of large size averaging 5.33 pounds each. The yellow perch was low at 8.00 per set and all of the fish measured but 1 ranged in size from 8.0 to 12.9 inches with a median length of 9.5 to 9.9 inches and a mean weight of 0.60 pounds. The bluegill was very low at 2.50 per set and had a median length of 7.5 to 7.9 inches. The bluegill showed average growth at all annulus. The black crappie showed an extremely low population at 0.50 per set while the pumpkinseed and the black bullhead had low population at 0.50 and 3.50 per set respectively. Note: There is very little fishing pressure on Headquarters Lake. The one cabin owner owns all the lakeshore around the lake. Present populations of northern pike, bluegill, black crappie, and pumpkinseed most likely results of previous stocking (illegal) by only owner on the lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish can you catch in Headquarters?

Based on Minnesota DNR survey data, anglers target Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, Bluegill, Black Crappie, and Pumpkinseed in Headquarters. See the full species list above for catch rates, size structure, and quality scores.

Is there public access at Headquarters?

We don't have a confirmed public access point on record for Headquarters. Check the DNR LakeFinder page for current access details before you go.

How deep is Headquarters?

Headquarters has a maximum depth of 7 feet, per Minnesota DNR data.

When were the main sport fish in Headquarters last surveyed?

The most recent Minnesota DNR survey data for the main sport fish in Headquarters is from 1986. Surveys this old should be treated with some caution — fish populations change over time.

Does Headquarters have any invasive species?

No invasive species are on record for Headquarters in Minnesota DNR data. Always clean, drain, and dry your equipment to help keep it that way.

Are there special fishing regulations on Headquarters?

No — Headquarters has no lake-specific regulations in the 2026 Minnesota DNR regulations, so statewide Minnesota limits apply. The statewide perch limit is: 20 daily and 40 in possession. Verify current rules with the Minnesota DNR before keeping fish.